EXCLUSIVE: A Bunch Of Australian Tech Millionaires Held An Epic Secret Summit In New Zealand

Some of Australia’s best-known tech millionaires were in New
Zealand last week at a mysterious meetup where the requirement
for entry was having a company valued at over $100 million.

Participants in the exclusive event, held just before Australia
Day, have been sworn to secrecy but we’ve been able to piece
together what happened.

While the event didn’t have a formal name it has been referred to
as a gathering of “unicorns and centurions”, with the unicorns
being leaders of companies that have reached a $1 billion
valuation and centurions those with a valuation over $100
million.

It’s believed the idea came from billionaire Atlassian co-founder
Mike Cannon-Brookes. The group met in Queenstown, the picturesque
tourist retreat on New Zealand’s South Island.

We approached all of the above for comment and while none denied
attending, they all declined to comment. (Another invitee was
TradeMe founder Sam Morgan, who we’ve asked for comment.)

One of the attendees, when asked about it, replied: “The first
rule of Fight Club is that Fight Club doesn’t exist.”

What’s remarkable is that 10 years ago the number of Australian
tech entrepreneurs with companies valued at over $100 million
could have been counted on one hand. While Australian startups
face well-documented challenges accessing skills, mentorship and
funding, the group is evidence of the growing success of some of
the country’s brightest entrepreneurs. Around 20 people were
invited, Business Insider understands.

One goal was for the group to “get to know each other better” and
talk about the challenges founders face growing tech companies in
Australia. There were also discussions about technology,
partnerships and raising capital.

Despite the secrecy, with a group of tech leaders in spectacular
surroundings, there would inevitably be a trail. Mike
Cannon-Brookes posted this photo of a tranquil valley which looks
suspiciously like the South Island:

Atlassian co-founders Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar are
increasingly assuming a mentoring role for entrepreneurs in
Australia.

The company, which is now more than 12 years old, was valued last
year at $3.3 billion. It’s growing fast and plans to add another
600 people to its existing 900 employees before the end of the
financial year.

Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar built the company from scratch using
a “no bullsh*t” rule as their guiding principle.